Blue Rock State Park Guide

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Introduction

Blue Rock State Park is the perfect RV destination for those looking for a trip to enjoy nature and all that it has to offer. This state park is different from many others, as there are no hookup options for RVs. While this is true, many campsites are large enough for up to a 100 foot RV or trailer, and the park does compensate this with shower houses with toilets, running water, and a dump station in the campground.

Many qualities make this park worth visiting. The state park itself is around 322 acres, but its surrounding area is comprised of a National Park totaling over 4,500 acres of forests, wildlife habitat, and hiking trails.

If you're looking for a great family adventure, the state park is full of activities! Picnic areas, basketball courts, hiking trails, playgrounds, and a swimming beach on the lake are amongst just a few of the many things to do in the park.

The park is open year-round, so you can plan a trip any time you like! The park offers ice skating, sledding, and ice fishing in the winter, and swimming and boating in the summer. No matter what time of the year you plan your trip, you know you'll have a blast in Blue Rock State Park!

Transportation in Blue Rock State Park

Driving

Blue Rock State Park is located in Muskingum County, Ohio, just Southeast of Zanesville. If you're looking for a state park in a quiet area, Blue Rock State Park is the place for you.

While the park encompasses more than 300 acres of land, there are only a handful of roads which run through the park. These roads are paved and easy to navigate, but they do get narrow in some places. If you're bringing a large RV or camper trailer, just be aware of tight spots in the road.

If you plan to stay a while, bringing a mountain bike or comfortable shoes to walk in would be much more efficient to maneuver throughout the park.

Since the park does not have water or sewer hookups, there are four restrooms with showers within walking distance of any portion of the campground.

Parking

Parking is very limited within the park, and most parking aside from campsites will only accommodate a passenger car. The main parking area is located on the main road across the street from the swimming beach.

Public Transport

Campgrounds and parking in Blue Rock State Park

Campsites in Blue Rock State Park

Reservations camping

Blue Rock State Park Campground

Blue Rock State Park Campground is perfect for those looking forward to the primitive atmosphere, while still having a place to park your RV!

There are no hookups within the park, so you will need to plan to bring plenty of water with you. As for electric outlets, generators are allowed, but must only be operated outside of the quiet hours, which are 10 pm to 7 am.

The campground itself as easy to locate as it is to navigate. There are two loops in the campground, both of which are on the East end of Cutler Lake.

Considering that there are no hookups in the park, there is a dump station located in the Southwest corner of the park. Restrooms with showers are also conveniently located within walking distance of both loops of the campground.

Playground, basketball courts, and picnic areas are all located in the camping area, and the other state park's amenities are located close to the campground too. It makes for a great central place to explore the park from your camp site.

First-come first-served

Alternate camping

Seasonal activities in Blue Rock State Park

In-Season

Picnicking

Picnicking in the summer time is a great and relaxing way to enjoy the great outdoors. Throughout the park there are several picnic areas, all of which include picnic tables and grills.

In addition to the picnic areas, there are also several covered picnic areas within the park that are excellent for large groups. These large covered picnic areas require a reservation, so make sure to call ahead!

Swimming

Located on the North end of the lake, you'll find the 250-foot long public beach. This beach is the perfect spot for lazy summer days and fun with the whole family. Note that this is the only place where swimming is permitted in the lake.

If needed, there are restrooms and showers at the campground check-in station, allowing swimmers a place to change into swimsuits and use the restroom.

Boating

Blue Rock State Park is home to the 15-acre Cutler Lake, where relaxed boating is a must. Hand-powered boats and boats with electric trolling motors are allowed, but boats with gas motors are prohibited.

These limitations allow Cutler Lake to be perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddle boarding. There is even a camp store that rents canoes, paddle boards, kayaks, and rowboats.

The boat ramp is located within walking distance of the campground, so you don't even have to travel far from your campsite to get out on the water!

Off-Season

Fishing

Fishing is an excellent activity in the park, no matter what time of the year it is. During the summer it is great to fish from the banks or a boat, and during the winter ice fishing is very common! As motorboats aren't allowed in the lake, this keeps the waters calm, and the fish won't be so spooked!

On Cutler Lake, there are several different species of fish that are common to catch. Bass, trout, catfish, and bluegill are the most common that you'll see in the lake!

Ice Skating and Sledding

Ice skating and sledding are one of the most fun winter activities that the park offers in the winter time. No matter whether you're young or old, skating and sledding brings out the kid in all of us.

Always be sure to call ahead to plan winter activities. Although the park is open year-round, ice skating, sledding, and even ice fishing may be profited depending on weather conditions!

Hiking

For those looking for a great series of day hikes, Blue Rock State Park is definitely the place for you. There are five trails located within the park, and the park is located directly next to the Blue Rock National Forest, where you'll find many more hiking spots!

Within the park, there are four moderate hiking trails and one difficult trail. The moderate trails range from .4 miles to 1 mile. The difficult trail is only .2 miles, but will test your hiking skills!